Derek Reilly, General Manager, Nevo.ie

Derek Reilly is the General Manager for Nevo.ie, Ireland’s only dedicated electric vehicle platform. Nevo is the customer’s home of electric motoring regardless of the stage in their purchase journey. We constantly strive to foster a sense of community and trust, Nevo regularly features insightful help and advice articles that are aimed at highlighting the benefits of EV ownership, unraveling any concerns or myths, and guiding readers toward informed choices.

Derek is passionate about electric vehicles. In 2020 he launched “Nevo EV Review Ireland” on YouTube and it has already become Ireland’s leading EV YouTube channel. On the channel, Derek reviews everything from electric micro-mobility all the way up to electric vans and buses. Derek only reviews fully electric vehicles.

Geraldine Herbert, Columnist & Motoring Editor, Sunday Independent

Geraldine Herbert is columnist and motoring editor at the Sunday Independent and Ireland’s first female motoring editor of a national newspaper. A regular contributor to Radio and TV including RTE, Virgin Media and the BBC on motoring and consumer issues she has written about Transport and Motoring for over two decades. Founder and editor of Ireland’s first and only website for women on wheels –  www.wheelsforwomen.ie – bikes, cars and motorbikes Geraldine strives to broaden the wider motoring discussion to include sustainability, safety and inclusivity. She is a graduate of both the NUI and Trinity College

Aidan Flynn is the Chief Executive for the Freight Transport Association Ireland. He has worked with FTA Ireland since the formative years of the Association in Ireland in 2011.
Aidan is Chair of the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship consortium and the Transport Operations and Commercial Driving Apprenticeship consortium and is passionate about delivering solutions for Skills Shortage in the Freight Distribution and Logistics Sector. Developing and promoting commercial fleet operational compliance standards for the industry is integral to work Aidan does with FTA Ireland. As head of a trade association for the freight distribution, logistics and passenger transport sector Aidan is passionate about representing members interests in a structured and collaborative manner that delivers for members and contributes to improved safety and working environments for all in the logistics sector. Aidan established the FTA Ireland Alternative Fuels Working Group in 2017 to expand upon the objectives of the association to support our members through expert advice and guidance. Aidan contributes to the collaborative approach to improving safety and standards for the freight distribution and logistics sector in Ireland.

Aoife O’Grady, Head of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, Department of Transport

Aoife O’Grady is Head of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, a new Government Office within the Department of Transport, which supports the uptake of vehicles through grants and incentives and also funds EV charging infrastructure. Aoife has worked for both the Irish and UK Governments in the field of transport for almost 20 years, with a focus on strategy and sustainability. By training a social scientist, Aoife has a BA from Trinity College, Dublin and an MA and PhD from the University of Warwick.

Blake Boland is Head of Communications for AA Ireland. Established in 1910, they are one of the most recognisable brands in the country. AA Membership and Breakdown Rescue gets much of the Irish motoring industry back on the road 24/7, 365 days of the year. The company also has a rapidly expanding Insurance business, providing Motor, Home and Travel policies.

Blake studied International Business & Languages in DIT, before completing a Masters in Translation Studies from DCU. He is a keen outdoor swimmer, currently in training to take part in a relay swim across the English Channel in 2024.

Cathal Masterson is an experienced professional with a strong track record of developing strategy and managing change on challenging projects and operations in the transport and mobility sectors. Currently responsible for a super team of 35-40 professionals managing a portfolio of diverse transport operations including Light Rail and Metro, Road User Charging, PPP projects and currently assisting ZEVI to plan out and mobilise a new EV Charging Infrastructure programme on the national road network.

Danijela Klopotan, Manager, Network Development, ESB Networks

Danijela Klopotan is the Strategy, Innovation and Electrification Manager of ESB Networks. With over 27 years’ experience in the energy sector, spanning electric power system analysis, renewable generation and system protection, Danijela has spent a number of these years working with energy utilities, investors and developers worldwide. Her current role includes responsibility for strategy, innovation and electrification in ESB Networks that is particularly focused on delivering Climate Action Plan and enabling electrification of heat and transport in Ireland.

Des Phelan, Sustainable Transport Programme Manager | Coillte

Working in forestry since 2014, Chair of the Forest Industry Transport Group since 2017 and recently appointed Council Chair for the Freight Transport Association of Ireland. Prior to joining Coillte, worked in oil distribution for 15 years with DCC Oil Ireland. Studied Supply Chain Management with Technical University Dublin and Public Procurement with the Institute of Public Administration. Des’s has held the role of Haulage Distribution Manager for the past years before recently taking up the role of Sustainable Transport Programme Manager with Coillte.’

Wes O’Neill, Senior Fleet Consultant & EV Ambassador, DRIVALIA

DRIVALIA is a global leader in mobility solutions providing full service leasing and fleet management services across a network of countries to a client base of large corporates, SMEs, professionals and private individuals. A leader in its industry, DRIVALIA places sustainable mobility at the heart of its strategy, delivering innovative mobility solutions and technology-enabled services to its clients, helping them focus on their everyday business. As an EV Ambassador, my role is to support my Colleagues and help and guide our Customers on their EV Transition journey.

Appointed Group Editor, Fleet Publications, Ireland’s largest Road Transport & Commercial Vehicle Publication Group in 2003. Director JJDS Publications Ltd, publishers of Fleet Transport, Handling Network, Fleet Bus & Coach, Fleet Van & Utility, Fleet Car, Fleet Maritime, Fleet Trailer & Body Builder and Green Fleet Management plus Caravan Cruise Ireland. The company also organizes the Annual Fleet Transport Awards, Irish Truck of the Year, Best Truck/Van Fleet Brand Awards, Bus & Coach Awards, Fleet Car Awards and also Fleet Forums (Round Table Discussions). ‘Fleet’ also hosts warehousingireland.ie web portal.
Since 2003, Jarlath Sweeney, is the Irish Jury member of the International Truck, Van & Pick-Up Awards and President/Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury for the past ten years.
He is also Jury member of International Intralogistics & Forklift Awards plus two International Trailer Innovation Awards as well as Adjudicator Autostyle Car Design Awards for a number of years.
Born and educated in Claremorris, County, he began his career in his family’s transport business before seeking further education with degrees in Media Studies and International Transport Management.
Other accreditations include – Member of Motoring Media Association of Ireland, CWG – Caravan Writers Guild and to Motorsport Ireland and Mondello Park.
Since 1999, he continues to be Editor of the online platform – Irish Motorsport News. In the past was presenter of Travel Torque and Popular Profiles on Local Radio. Special social history documentaries have been produced and presented by him and he regularly contributes to publications across Europe and South Africa, together with contributions to a number of historical society yearbooks.
Among his interests and hobbies include: History, Sport, Music, Rallying, F1, Dakar, Indycar, Travel, Design, Scenic walks, Reading, Radio, Pin badge collector.
From a sporting perspective, he remains active, as an Underage Rugby & Soccer Coach, former Provincial Squash Champion, former Triathlete, past President & Chairman Claremorris Colts Rugby Club. Finally, in business he remains media officer with his local Claremorris Chamber of Commerce.

John Byrne is a senior business leader specialising in the delivery of energy, transport and infrastructure solutions to help all drivers make the change to cleaner transport. John leads a team delivering electric vehicle solutions for customers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. He has previously held various senior positions within the energy sector including Head of Regulation, Head of Smart Grids and Head of Smart Metering at ESB.

Before her tenure at SIG, Karla gained experience in the construction and tourism sectors, later consulting for major international technology firms. Her most recent role was as a Health and Safety Manager in the logistics field. Karla holds a H. Dip in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work from University College Dublin and is on the verge of completing her BSc. in Occupational Health and Safety Management from Atlantic Technological University. Committed to fostering health and safety awareness, she aims to lead SIG Ireland’s team on a path towards sustainability and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Within her role at SIG Ireland, Karla contributes as a member of the PLC’s Group Sustainability Committee, engaging in the exchange and deliberation of sustainability initiatives and concepts before their execution.

Kevin is Stripe’s head of Partner Solutions Engineering for our EMEA & APAC regions. He is based in our Dublin HQ. He’s also the Dublin HQ Site Lead, and having served in various roles on the Irish EV Association (up-to and including chair) in the past, has meshed payments expertise with a passion for EV transition.

General manager of Harris MAXUS, Mark Barrett is a leading figure in the automotive industry and was part of the team responsible for the relaunch of the MAXUS (formerly LDV) commercial vehicle range in the UK and Ireland in 2016 and including all of right-hand drive Europe. He was a member of The Harris Group team that won the distribution rights for the brand from SAIC Motors, the largest automotive company in China.
The Harris Group, one of Ireland’s leading and most renowned distributors of new and used vehicles and where Mark has spent most of his career in several senior roles including Group Tender Manager and senior overseas manager responsible for establishing new, overseas markets for the used sales business.
As GM, Mark is very involved in the day-to-day running of the business and takes a hands-on role directing all operations including imports and exports, the development of the MAXUS dealer network in addition to overseeing the sales and marketing function.
Mark is a leading voice in the commercial electric vehicle sector. Under his stewardship, the company has launched several new platform all-electric vans and this year saw the introduction of the first all-electric luxury MPV and pick-up truck, which were unveiled by MAXUS at the annual Commercial Vehicle show in the UK.
For more than 25 years Mark has worked in the automotive industry with extensive experience across fleet rental / leasing, commercial, HGV and LGV working with some of the leading brands in the world e.g., Toyota, Isuzu & Iveco to name a few.

Petter Haugneland is the Assistant Secretary General at Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association. The association represents over 120,000 Norwegian EV owners and cooperates with policy makers, the electric car industry, and other organizations for the successful introduction of zero emission electric vehicles. Climate and environmental issues combined with interest for new technology drives his passion for electric transport. Petter has a master’s degree in political science from the University of Oslo.  He started his career as a communication advisor at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo (CICERO). Later as the communication manager for the EV Association from 2012 before his current position as Assistant Secretary General.

Rebecca is the Sustainability Specialist at SIRO, a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone that is building a 100% full fibre network across Ireland. She is involved in the decarbonisation of SIRO’s operations, including the electrification of the national fleet in line with the organisation’s emissions reduction targets. Rebecca’s previous experience has been as an environmental scientist in both the public and private sectors, primarily across large scale infrastructure, and within biological research. Rebecca holds a BS in Sustainable Development and a MS in Conservation and Natural Resource Management from the University of Queensland in Australia.

Stephen’s background showcases his versatility and passion for sustainability. He began his career as a chef at the globally renowned Asador Extebarri before lending his expertise to Loam Galway, where he played an instrumental role in securing the Michelin guide’s first-ever sustainability award. Stephen’s transition into sustainability was marked by his completion of the Origin Green Ambassadors Programme, where he obtained invaluable experience through placements at Unilever. He further strengthened his knowledge and skills in sustainability by completing an MSc in Business Sustainability from Smurfit Graduate School, which has equipped him with a deep understanding of sustainable business practices. Stephen has since held the role of Sustainability Manager at Dawn Meats Group and has consulted to Running Tide Technologies, a world leader in nature-based carbon removal solutions.
Stephen currently is the Sustainability Programme Manager with DPD Ireland where he is spearheading their ambitious sustainability programmes. Since joining in March 2023 Stephen has rolled out another 100 EV’s into the network and installed 100 chargers.

Ian Clarke,Head of Energy, Environment & Utility Management, Dublin Airport

Ian leads a team that is responsible for the operational management of Energy infrastructure at Dublin Airport. Building on a career in construction Ian has been at the airport for over 10 years covering all energy efficiency, carbon, environmental and Asset Management elements of the infrastructure at Dublin Airport. Focus on the policy, strategy, and development of infrastructure for the electrification of transport and heat at the airport campus is now a primary function.

With the objective of providing adequate charging infrastructure for the daa maintenance and bus fleets to electric along with allowing provision for 3rd party airside vehicles, taxis, car hire and public use at the campus the challenge includes network distribution and management, charging infrastructure, billing systems and monitoring.

Prof Caulfield is Head of Discipline in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. His research addresses global issues such as the environmental impacts of transport and methods to reduce the carbon impacts of transport.
Prof Caulfield has published over 200 papers in international journals and conferences and to date has been awarded approx. €7 million in research funding. He currently has 9 PhD students and 6 postdoctoral researchers in his research group.
He is a Senior Editor of Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews and an Editor of Transport Policy. He is a member of the International Editorial Board of Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Case Studies on Transport Policy, the Journal of Cycling and Micro-mobility Research, and the Journal of Transport Geography.

Ciara Lambe is a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 20 years’ experience working across transport and energy infrastructure. Ciara leads the Energy team at Arup in Ireland, bringing together expert teams to deliver infrastructure projects and first of a kind studies for clients including Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Initially working in the transportation sector, Ciara began her career as a road designer, a role which involved developing sustainable transport solutions. In recent years, Ciara has worked extensively in decarbonisation and renewable energy infrastructure, including leading a portfolio of hydrogen related work, such as advising GNI on the feasibility of transitioning gas infrastructure and assets to renewable hydrogen. Additionally, Ciara is currently working with TII to plan for the future roll-out of hydrogen refuelling stations in response to recent EU regulations.

Ken Clayton is the Acting National Fleet Manager in Uisce Éireann (formerly known as Irish Water). Ken has over 20 years’ experience in Fleet Management and has been with Uisce Éireann for 5 years now, working within its Fleet Team which has grown from an initial fleet size of 50 vehicles in Q4 2017, to 1,100 vehicles in 2023. As part of this rollout, the Uisce Éireann Fleet Team has enhanced the national water services fleet profile by introducing new standardised fleet specifications and safety features across the country. Furthermore, fleet management practices with regards to water services fleet has been enhanced and standardised during this time.
Ken has been heavily involved in the procurement and fleet management of a wide range of fleet, from small to large vans, to heavy goods vehicles, jetting equipment, and also mobile equipment/towable units as well as plant and machinery. Furthermore, Ken has worked on Uisce Éireann’s sustainable fleet strategy, which includes development of policies, procurement strategy, in-house testing of sustainable fleet, enduring electric vehicle charging solutions that meet operational requirements, future training requirements, budgeting and utilisation of telematics to help identify fleet that can be replaced with electric vehicles.
Prior to Uisce Éireann, Ken worked for 15 years as Machinery Yard Engineer in South Dublin County Council, managing the procurement and maintenance of a diverse range of fleet (from vans, trucks, winter gritters to grass cutting machinery) that covered the Local Authorities operational requirements.

Niall Riddell is a visionary leader in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, dedicated to driving sustainable mobility solutions. As a key figure at Paua, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of EV charging infrastructure. Niall’s strategic vision empowers businesses and individuals to embrace cleaner transportation options. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a staunch advocate for sustainable living and actively engages with industry leaders and policymakers. His leadership and passion for sustainability are paving the way for a world with cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions. Niall Riddell is driving us towards a brighter, more sustainable future. Niall formerly led the electric vehicle team at EDF Energy, was the Smart Systems Director at SSE and holds an MEng and an MBA. He is number 72 in GreenFleets most influential list.

An innovative thought leader and a visionary in the world of electric vehicle infrastructure, Maebh Reynolds stands at the helm of GoPlugable as the Founder and CEO. Armed with an Integrated Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the esteemed Queen’s University Belfast, she embodies a unique fusion of technical expertise, creativity, and passion for sustainable solutions.

Darren Kinsella is a distinguished energy transformation leader and the Business Development Manager – New Energy Landscapes at Schneider Electric. With over two decades of experience, Darren’s expertise spans energy management, automation, and sustainable strategies. As the former CEO of Darkin EV, he pioneered innovative EV charging solutions and played a pivotal role in its acquisition by an international organization in 2021.
Darren’s influence extends beyond business as he serves as Vice President of the Association of Electrical Contractors in Ireland (AECI) and is a founding member of the Electric Vehicle Charger Installers Association of Ireland (EVCIA). He actively contributes to shaping industry standards through roles in the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) and Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI).
Joining Schneider Electric, Darren now drives growth and innovation. He sits on the board of Smart Grid Ireland, contributing to sustainable solutions in energy distribution. Darren’s commitment to sustainable energy and expertise in electric vehicles make him an invaluable asset in Schneider Electric’s mission to shape a greener energy future.

Teresa Fallon, High Power Infrastructure Lead, ZEVI

Teresa Fallon is the High-Power Infrastructure Lead at Zero Emissions Ireland (ZEVI) Office, Dept of Transport. She has worked with ZEVI since September 2022 and since then worked on the finalisation of the first EV Infrastructure Strategy which was launched in January and the development of the National EN-Route EV Charging Network Plan that was launched in September 23. Teresa is on secondment from ESB to ZEVI. Teresa has over 20-year experience there right across the business particularly in ESB Networks and Customer Supply having held several senior roles in the areas of strategy, regulation, network development, smart networks, and customer experience and innovation.

Kieran Campbell, Market Lead, Polestar Ireland

Kieran has worked in the automotive industry in Ireland since 2007. From January 2022 Kieran has been responsible for the establishment of Polestar Ireland, leading a small team as the company rapidly expands its global footprint, Polestar Ireland was the 22nd market for Polestar to go live in. Polestar is exclusively a direct-to-consumer brand and is totally committed to sustainability. Polestar’s goal is to build sustainable electric cars and to help create a sustainable society. We intend to reach our goal by focussing our efforts on the areas of climate-neutrality, circularity, transparency and inclusion.

Polestar have just revealed the Polestar 3, an SUV for the electric age. This sits alongside the award-winning Polestar 2 and previously the ultra-low volume Polestar 1. Polestar will launch a new vehicle each year up to 2026. Over the course of Kieran’s automotive career, he has held roles in the Gowan Group as part of their retail operations before moving to positions with Mazda and Volkswagen. Kieran is passionate about sustainability and the environment, when he is not working or spending time with his family he enjoys participating in Ultra Marathons

Aaron Jarvis, Associate Vice President, Sales & Business Development, UK & Ireland, Geotab

Aaron Jarvis is the Associate Vice President Sales & Business Development, UK & Ireland for Geotab; the world’s
largest commercial telematics company. With a background in the IoT space and a focus on delivering complex
automotive programmes, his experience places him well to lead Geotab’s business development efforts in Europe
across multiple sectors focusing on unlocking the value of the connected car ecosystem.

Before joining Geotab he was a Global Customer Programme Manager for Vodafone IoT.

Ash’s journey in the world of business started in 2003 when he was 15. Since then he’s had some major failures, some great successes and through all his experiences, he’s learned a lot.

With over 10 years’ experience in energy and utilities, Ash brought his expertise over to the world of EV, and between 2020 and 2023 Ash has been dedicated to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles within businesses and fleets at Mina, by making paying for EV charging radically simple, bringing a unique perspective to the EV space.

Following FLEETCOR’s acquisition of Mina in February 2023, which was closely followed by alignment with sister brand Allstar Business Solutions, Ash now heads up the EV division of Allstar, named Allstar Chargepass, where he continues to drive forward supporting businesses in their switch to electric vehicles.

Pádraig Duane, Fleet Business Manager, Henry Ford & Son Ltd.

Pádraig joined Henry Ford & Son Ltd in 2001, starting his career in the Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD). He has lead teams in Customer Care, Warranty, Technical Support and finally as a FCSD Regional Manager, developing in-depth knowledge of the Ford dealer network and its customers.

He moved across to the Sales & Marketing team in 2015 holding various sales roles within the department, culminating with his current position as Fleet Business Manger dealing with large Corporate Accounts, Leasing companies and Major Fleets.

Brian O’Kennedy, Managing Director, Clearstream Solutions

Guiding businesses towards a low-carbon more sustainable future, Clearstream Solutions is a leading Irish ESG, corporate sustainability and climate consultancy. Since it was founded by Brian back in 2009, the Clearstream team has advised hundreds of local and international customers on their ESG strategies. Goodbody, the leading financial services firm, has recently acquired a majority stake on Clearstream Solutions, where Brian now continues to lead a team of over 15 expert sustainability consultants, with the additional support and financial insight of its new parent.  He has a degree in Economics from Trinity College Dublin, a Certificate in Sustainable Management from BSI Group and is currently studying the Circular Economy at TU Delft

Catherine Guy, CEO NiftiBusiness

Catherine joined NiftiBusiness and Nifti as CEO in late 2019. Since joining she has led the strategic development and growth of the business, including rebranding in 2021, completion of a joint venture with AIB Bank plc in Q1 2022, and the launch of an integrated personal leasing finance product with AIB in Q2 2023.

Catherine is a qualified solicitor and was Managing Partner of ByrneWallace law firm in Dublin from 2012 to 2018. She was a solicitor and partner in the firm for over 28 years with a strong background in commercial development and financing transactions, and led the Property Division of the firm prior to becoming Managing Partner.

She is a qualified Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors and is currently an Independent Non- Executive Director / board member on two boards. Catherine joined the board of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in 2020 as one of the first independent non-executive directors. She chairs the Governance Committee of the FAI, and is a member of several other board committees.

Catherine is also a member of the Board of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). CHI is the statutory body established in 2018, which is responsible for the operation and integration of the three children’s hospitals in Ireland, and for the provision and development of paediatric services in Ireland. Catherine led the CHI working group which developed the establishment legislation in collaboration with the Department of Health, and is a member of the Governance & Nominations Committee and the Capital Projects Committee

Lorraine Greene, Head of Engagement, Retail Office, AIB

Lorraine leads the Retail Office Communications and Engagement team responsible for engaging with AIB’s 4,500 Retail Banking colleagues and externally on key stakeholder relationships and through AIB’s retail network.

With over 20 years’ experience in banking, Lorraine has worked across a number of credit and customer relationship management roles and sectors predominantly in Corporate Banking, Private Banking, and Business and Retail Banking. Lorraine is currently a member of AIB Retail Banking’s Sustainability pillar.

Having led a number of AIB’s SME programmes of engagement both directly and through partnerships, Lorraine has a passion for supporting businesses to grow through learning, collaboration and utilising networks.

Lorraine is a Chartered Banker and Licentiate of the Institute of Banking and a graduate of University College Dublin, most recently achieving a Distinction after completing a Certificate in Responsible and Sustainable Finance.

Chris Kelly, Co-Founder, EasyGo

Chris Kelly is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of EasyGo, a cutting-edge transportation technology company based in Kildare. With a passion for sustainable mobility and a deep understanding of the evolving transportation landscape, Chris has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to modern electric transportation challenges for the last 8 years.

Chris’ journey in e-mobility began with his keen interest in sustainable urban planning and smart city solutions. He quickly recognised the need for a more efficient and eco-friendly approach to transportation, and together with his co-founders, he launched EasyGo. Under his leadership, EasyGo has become a leading player in the transportation sector, offering seamless and sustainable mobility solutions through its innovative app-based platform. 

With a track record of success in developing and implementing disruptive transportation technologies, Chris has become a recognised thought leader in the industry. Beyond his work with EasyGo, Chris is also a sought-after speaker on topics related to sustainable mobility, smart cities, and clean technologies. He is committed to driving positive change in the transportation industry and advocating for environmentally responsible solutions that make a meaningful impact on the world.

Emer Barry, Programme Manager for Electric Vehicles and Demand Generation, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

Emer Barry is the Programme Manager for Electric Vehicles and Demand Generation at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). This programmes aim is to support and progress the electrification and ultimately decarbonisation of the transport sector in Ireland. The programme includes grants for the purchase of new electric vehicles, an EV dealership awards scheme and an EV commercial fleet trial.

Emer has been with SEAI for over 20 years and has held several positions including Personal Assistant to the CEO as well as managing and delivering the Education Programme. This programme offers supports and resources to teachers to help them teach about energy efficiency and encourage students to take climate action.

Sales Manager for Commercial Vehicles at Mercedes-Benz for 18 years, Fergus Conheady has vast experience in the LCV and HGV markets in Ireland. With such deep roots in the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle world, Fergus has been involved in the evolution of the commercial vehicle industry as it moves away from traditional internal combustion engines and towards a greener, more sustainable future with electric and alternative fuel vehicle offerings. Under Fergus’ management, Mercedes-Benz has launched several premium, all-electric vans, and most recently welcomed the first electric truck poised with the three-pointed-star on to Irish roads – the eActros 4×2 rigid truck with a range of up to 400km WLTP.

Ciarán Lynch, Pharmacist and Business owner, Fortunes Pharmacy

Ciarán Lynch is a community pharmacist and business owner. For nearly 20 years he has owned and managed Fortune’s Pharmacy in Wexford Town. He is always looking to innovate at work and is committed to health services being available to people when they need them and in their local communities. COVID-19 and its subsequent vaccination campaign have seen Ciarán travel all over South Wexford bringing essential pharmacy services to people in their homes. When not at work he can be found ferrying kids around the country to GAA matches and, if he gets time, pulling up at the odd golf course.

Fiona Brady, Head of Operations and Public Affairs for FREENOW Ireland

Fiona Brady is the Head of Operations and Public Affairs for FREENOW Ireland. In 2021 she was also appointed, by the Minister of Transport, to the Taxi Advisory Committee which advises the Minister and the National Transport Authority of Ireland. Fiona is a chartered member of CILT Ireland (The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport) and was appointed to their Irish Council in July 2022.

Fiona has over 20 years’ experience working in transport, tech and mobility across both public and private sectors. In her current role, Fiona drives the sustainability and innovation agenda for FREENOW across Ireland. Engaging with the political ecosystem and public policy to advance how cities and their citizens interact with next generation mobility services. She is also responsible for the development of strategic initiatives to deliver value and positive experiences for FREENOW drivers and passengers – including electrification of FREENOW’s taxi fleet, multi-modal diversification and key partnerships with industry stakeholders.

Mark Trumper, Director of EV and Energy InfrastructureDirector of EV and Energy Infrastructure APCOA Parking (UK)

Mark Trumper leads the APCOA business on adoption of Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions and the wider development of Energy Infrastructure across the UK & Ireland. He is passionate about sustainable value creation and has operated at Board level in both public and private sector organisations since 2009. As Subject Matter Expert for APCOA he is committed to providing customers with both an initial and then scalable infrastructure and charging solution, as they progress on their journey to a carbon zero operating environment well in advance of 2050.

APCOA work with clients to optimise their EV solution from truly understanding customers as well as promoting the move to sustainable driving. They were awarded EV Champion of the Year 2023 at the British Parking Awards and Partner of the Year 2023 at the National Sustainability Awards.

Barbara Anne Richardson, Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager, Heineken Ireland Limited

Barbara-Anne Richardson is Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager with HEINEKEN Ireland with responsibility for developing the sustainability programme for Ireland under the global ‘Brew a Better World’ strategy. This strategy covers a broad range of targets under the pillars of Environment, Social Sustainability and Responsible Consumption so Barbara-Anne plays a key role in engaging colleagues and peers to ensure sustainability is embedded in the business.

HEINEKEN Ireland is the only drinks company in Ireland to hold the independently audited Business Working Responsibly Mark, along with 40 other companies in Ireland. It was awarded Bord Bia’s Sustainable Impact Award, a REPAK Bronze Award for commitments to reduce plastic, a PRCA award for raising awareness of sustainability internally and previously announced as Ireland’s leading Green Food and Beverage Producer.

Michael McGrath TD, Local Infrastructure Lead, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland

Michael McGrath is the Local Infrastructure Lead in Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, a new Government Office within the Department of Transport, which supports the uptake of vehicles through grants and incentives and also funds EV charging infrastructure. Michael is currently developing the National Destination and Residential Neighbourhood EV charging Network Plan. This plan provides a pathway for delivery of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at destination and residential Neighbourhood areas.

Michael studied Civil Engineering in Queens University Belfast and graduated in 2001 and has previously worked in Local Authroities for 20 years where he lead multidisciplinary teams in the delivery of a range of projects including Social Housing Schemes, Urban Regeneration Projects, and recently the FASTER Project which involved the planning and installation of 75 Rapid Chargers across border counties of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland for which Louth County Council was the lead in the Republic of Ireland

Mark Woods, Chief Supply Chain Officer,The Maxol Group

Mark Woods is the Chief Supply Chain Officer with The Maxol Group. The Maxol Group, consisting of three key companies Maxol Limited, Maxol Oil Limited and Maxol Lubricants Limited, enjoys a market leadership presence across the 32 counties of Ireland. With operations spanning retail, distribution and storage within the commercial and domestic marketplace the organisation is proud of its exceptional brand and reputation in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

Reporting to the main board, Mark is responsible for the effective management of all aspects of operations, logistics, storage and safe transportation of products together with the significant capital and operational spend associated with these activities.

As well as his role as Chief Supply Chain Officer Mark is very active in the area of Future Fuels and is responsible for developing the Groups thinking on the emergence of alternatives such as Bio Fuels, Electric and Hydrogen powered vehicles. In addition to the technical evolution of these technologies Mark is keenly interested in the various national and EU policies promoting these alternatives.

Mark represents The Group on various industry bodies including Fuels for Ireland and is a Board Member of SIMI.

Jonathan Carr, Sustainability Director, Havas Genus

Jonathan is a Client Director with sustainability consultants, Havas Genus, and partners with global businesses to develop net zero strategies and deliver decarbonisation transformation programmes. He has worked extensively across the energy sector, analysing growth opportunities in EVs, battery storage, demand-side-response and decentralised energy services, both in B2C and B2B markets. Jonathan is an experienced advisor and thought leader in the energy and sustainability sectors and clients, specialising in areas such as strategy development, operating model and customer proposition design for clients incl. BP, Drax, SSE/Airtricity, EDF and Centrica. He has previously worked in strategy & transformation at EY and Accenture and is a graduate of Aston University and Said Business School.

Thomas O’Hagan, Chief Commercial Officer, Weev

Thomas O’Hagan is Chief Commercial Officer of leading Northern Ireland electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure company, Weev. Weev was established in 2022 to create Northern Ireland’s largest privately operated EV charging network and has impressive plans to install thousands of charging points over the coming years, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, under Thomas’ leadership. He has enjoyed success in other ventures, not least as co-founder of b4b Group, one of Northern Ireland’s leading IT and telecommunications companies

John O’Connell, Head of Logistics, Barry Group

30+Years experience in Logistics and Fleet Management.
Barry Group are Ireland’s Leading Family Run Wholesale Distribution Company. We offer three franchise solutions; Costcutter, Carry Out Off Licence and Quik Pick. While each of these symbol groups differ, they have been created to meet the needs of today’s retailer who is focused on an affordable retail solution, service excellence, and partnering with a wholesaler who is invested in their future success. Our General Wholesale channel services independent retailers, wholesalers, and vending suppliers, food service and hospitality nationwide. Here, we provide a value for money approach on key and exclusive lines in our portfolio. Barry group operate from a 150,000sq ft Multi Temp Distribution Centre in mallow and operate a fleet of 30 Trucks as well as a car fleet of 40 cars.

Brian Cooke, Director General, Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI)

Brian Cooke was appointed Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) in May 2019, having previously been the SIMI’s Deputy Director General and Financial Controller. Brian is a Chartered Certified Accountant by profession, and has extensive experience in the Motor Industry during his time in SIMI and also commercial experience in Industry and Financial Services. Brian is the spokesperson for the Irish Motor Industry having represented the organisation and its members both at Government and European level.

Seán O’Callaghan, Project Development Officer, SSE

Seán was among the first EV adopters in Ireland way back in 2012 – and is still driving the same Nissan Leaf today. A former technical officer in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering in Trinity college, he has been involved in the Renewable Energy sector since 2007 and has a Masters Degree in Renewable Energy Systems. Seán joined the SSE EV team in 2021 and is supporting SSE’s ambition to deploy 35 Ultra-Rapid charging EV hubs across the country over the next 3 years.